Developing the Sacred Virtue of Determination.

Hello and Welcome Friends,

I wanted to start by saying I had a busy past summer with many projects and the writing of my second book. I thank all who have come to visit and take time to read what is my joy and passion. I also can not believe it has been one-year ago I started my blog to share with you about my writing, my book, and just life! I hope to be more active blogging this coming new year and I figured I need more practice. Lol.

Here is a new post I hope you enjoy reading and as always, I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

Diane

 

 

 

 

Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com!

You registered on WordPress.com one year ago.

Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.

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Developing the Sacred Virtue of Determination

Dedication

Whether we’re trying to complete a boring job, fighting the evil of an addiction or a mean bully, or siding with a group of misfits who are saving the planet from aliens breaching from another dimension; the struggle to focus our abilities and stay in the fight is a real challenge.

We must dedicate ourselves to the problem. In that moment, we believe we’ll be successful in overcoming the antagonistic force or forces.

Distraction

Later, we may wake up in a state of forgetfulness. Maybe, we don’t feel up to snuff. The goal just doesn’t feel as important as it did yesterday. Possibly we are beset by disillusionment, depression, maybe fear, or even pain.

If we are lucky, something inside us screams against the lethargy “No! I’ve got to do this no matter how I feel, whatever the cost or discomfort.”

Rededication

We have become willing to sacrifice our comfort and our fears. We might even become altruistic. Success is in the mindset even if in the most extreme cases, like a battlefield, obliteration is a likely result.

We didn’t give up, or defeat ourselves. We fought our way through to whatever end we chose to achieve, despite the cost.

 

Determination

We are given plenty of opportunities to practice and strengthen this virtue for a reason. Early levels of development might include learning to stand and walk, or how to communicate with others (a life-long endeavor). Later, we battle antagonists like boredom, bullies, inept bosses, war, illness, and death.

These challenges can help develop and strengthen our souls. The endgame could be that we dedicate ourselves to God, and to serving His creation. In doing so we achieve the pinnacle of selflessness. Immersion with the Creator. Think of Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, or Swami Prabhavananda.

This is the path of the Apostles in each Age. It is necessary for their sacrifices and determination, to protect and grow the tiny flame brought by the Prophet, in each rebirth of the Single, Ancient Faith of God, for all eternity.

 

Author/Writer, Diane Olsen

My New Book on Amazon Kindle.

 

 

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“Messengers of God’s – Sharing His Word” Part Three.

Welcome Back Friends, Readers, and Visitors,

I am rounding out my last two blog posts with post three of this series. I hope you have enjoyed reading and hope you all had a Happy Easter!

 

 

 

 
All of the Manifestations or Revealers of God’s Word; knew, respected and loved one another, from the Beginning. They were aware of what they and their peers would suffer, and how humanity would mess with the “Word of God”, as we always have.

They knew that the renewal They brought to this world would, eventually fail miserably. The Message would become diffused and ambiguous. Christ acknowledged sadly, we would call ourselves His, but He will know us not.

People would start churches and monasteries etc., that were never meant to exist. Even worse, religion would become an excuse to attack and murder other people, the animal, plants – even the earth…

We have mentioned some examples of how the Great Prophets told us of Others who would come bearing God’s Word to renew the perfection of His religion and clear up the misunderstandings men had created by demeaning the purity of the last Revelation. These Beings also brought social laws from the age in which they lived, a new calendar and many other marvels specific to each of Them. For example, there are remnants of at least nine Great Religions in the world and yes, there are nine calendars currently in use.

But the loving bonds continue between the “Bearers of the Holy Spirit;” the past, present, and future; and with the occupants of this planet, what HE promises and to whom They all serve!

These Great Ones not only told us about the next ones to come, and gave strict warnings to guide humanity not to fall for everyone who made a claim to that station. They also edified the ones Who came before them. And in no uncertain terms offered punishment to all who did not believe in the previous Prophet or several Prophets.

 

 

Christ gave an example in John 5, chapters 45 and 46:

45: “Do not think that I shall not accuse you to the Father; there is One who accuses you – Moses, in whom you trust.

46: For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; For He wrote about Me.”

Muhammed edifies Christ and Moses.

“…when Muhammad proclaimed His work and mission, His first objection to His own followers was, “Why have you not believed on Jesus Christ? Why have you not accepted the Gospel? Why have you not believed in Moses? Why have you not followed the precepts of the Old Testament? Why have you not understood the prophets of Israel? Why have you not believed in the disciples of Christ? The first duty incumbent upon ye, O Arabians, is to accept and believe in these.

You must consider Moses as a Prophet. You must accept Jesus Christ as the Word of God. You must know the Old and the New Testaments as the Word of God. You must believe in Jesus Christ as the product of the Holy Spirit.

His people answered, ‘O Muḥammad! We will become believers although our fathers and ancestors were not believers, and we are proud of them. Tell us what is going to become of them?’ Muḥammad replied, ‘I declare unto you that they occupy the lowest stratum of hell because they did not believe in Moses and Christ and because they did not accept the Bible, and although they are my own ancestors, yet they are in despair in hell.’ This is an explicit text of the Qur’án; it is not a story or tradition but from the Qur’án itself, which is in the hands of the people. Therefore, it is evident that ignorance and misunderstanding have caused so much warfare and strife between Christians and Muslims. If both should investigate the underlying truth of their religious beliefs, the outcome would be unity and agreement…”

The Promulgation of Universal Peace, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Source: US Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1982…

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Baha’u’llah, the Glory of God, highly and frequently praised the Bab, Mohammad, Christ, Moses, and all other Revealers of God’s Word – back to times beyond human memory. Each of these holy Beings praises the previous Embodiments of the Holy Spirit and foretells the advent of the next One and the One who will come at the end of the Age. This last One would be known as the Fifth Buddha, the Spirit of Truth, the Sayoshyant, or Baha’u’llah – the Glory of the Lord, etc. as anticipated by the different faiths.

There is One God, and one core to His religion – in all ages. We should appreciate this.

Diane Olsen, Author, and Writer of Biblical Studies of her book;  “Ancient Ways: The Roots of Religion”

 

 

 

Abraham, Christ, and Mohammad

 

“Ah, the beautiful snow is now pocked with shrubbery trying to peek through to the light. This is not unlike those of us who also are drawn to the light for spiritual reasons. That includes everything from switching on the light to lighting the planet with sustainable clean power. We desire light in our daily habits and we crave spiritual light, it is warm, welcoming, loving, like the lap of a parent to a cuddly child.”

 

If you have read the Quran or the Bible you know a bit about Abraham. He was willing to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, to prove his dedication to the One God.

If it was God’s will, he must do it. Abraham spoke to Isaac, who was also wise and dedicated to the Source of his being. Isaac calmly told his father that if Allah (God) had made the request, they must obey. “Sacrifice me. Do not fear: With the help of God. I shall be brave.”

As Abraham(Ibrahim) prepared to kill his son, He heard a voice. “You have shown your good intentions. This is sufficient. You have already fulfilled My will.”

Isaac began the lineage of the Christians, both spiritually and physically. You may also know that later Abraham’s second son Ishmael, built the Ka’ba in Mecca, to the One God Almighty, toward which all Muslims all over the world now pray.

If you are up on your Abrahamic literature, you understand that Ibrahim (Abraham) is related to all the great Messengers of God, not only as a bearer of the Holy Spirit and a new piece of Revelation but by blood as well, through His three wives.

Abraham (Ibrahim) Isaac and Christ; Ishmael and Mohammad serve to prove to humankind that the two largest Faith’s in the world today are grounded in a common root, God Almighty. This is a very overt sign that we are meant to be unified. Meant to share with and love one another without further question!

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So, what happened?

 

   Alas, as is the way of humans, we have added, against the will of our Prophets, rubbish to both Faiths as they were revealed, and meant to be.

Worst of all, leaders of both groups have at times lied that the “other group” is a dangerous enemy. Dangerous to the whole world.

And truly individuals who claim both Faiths have indeed become dangerous to the world. Greedy, power hungry kings, imams, and priests. They have led the gullible, the loyal and uneducated down the path of hatred and divisiveness – in the name of Allah/God (English translation); for purposes of wealth or personal recognition or power. You can’t seem like a hero if you don’t have a “horrible” enemy.

People! Read the Word of God as revealed by Rama, Krishna, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Christ, The Bab, and or Baha’u’llah. Read an honest edition, without excessive “translations” or “adjustments” or “modernizing”. Lies have been added. Use your heart to find the original Word! It is then you will know if the leaders of your churches, your synagogues, and your temples are sticking to the Revelation, or deceiving you with ugliness!

 

Abrahm or Abraham Father of the Universal Faiths

Abraham came from the lineage of Noah through Shem. He was born around 4000 years ago in the city of Ur, and along the lower Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. He saw the workings of the Creator in the stars, moon and the sun, as signs of God. But He came to realize they were just physical objects. They weren’t much different, in reality than the idols worshiped by His father Terah who was a follower of the now decadent Brahmanic Faith of Sri Krishna. Terah had named his son Abraham which meant “from Brahma”, but he and his people were worshipping idols.

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    This is not surprising as each Manifestation of God’s Will is born from the proceeding spiritual tradition, and through him (or her) comes the new Revelation and a regeneration of the same Ancient Faith.

Abraham is the acknowledged father of all of the newer existing revealed religions, such as Judaism, Islam, the Babi, and the Baha’i Faiths.

When He was young. Abraham lived among people who refused to worship One God. They prayed to idols they brought with them from India. He asked His father if he thought these idols were gods. He said he did. Ibrahim then told His father Terah that if he did; he and his people were wrong.

This did not sit well because the priests of the area were wealthy, powerful and demanded respect. Our fathers worshiped them Terah told Him. Young Abraham retorted that Terah and his fathers had been wrong. When the people were gone one day. He broke all their idols and images to pieces, except for the very biggest one, which was thought to speak and listen.

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When the villagers returned, they were very angry and remembering His admonitions about idolatry, they sought out Abraham. When they found Him, they asked if he did this to their gods. He answered that it was the biggest idol. “Why don’t you ask him? He can tell you.” Some were ashamed as they admitted the statue could not really speak. So, Abraham asked them why they worshiped these things, that can do no actual good. Angrier than ever, the people pitched Him into a fire to burn!

God cooled the flames and Abraham escaped any permanent damage. If they could see it, they would know God could actually do something good.

Disgusted, He left Nimrud and the rest of the idolaters, and by the grace of God fled to another country where he raised up a great nation.

The Pagan followers of Mithraic Faith derived from followers of the distant Pre-Flood Prophets were also idol worshippers as the memory faded of the old revelations. They became forgetful of the One loving Creator, so they rejected Abraham and His blessed teachings because they were afraid of losing their familiar idols and powerful priesthood. They also did not like the thought of treating the miserable and poor with justice and kindliness. It is hard for people to see the Phoenix rise from the ashes they have created.

(Sources of quotes and stories: Quran chapters 29:27, 6:74-86, and 6)

My First WordPress Milestone & Trophy!

Author, Diane Olsen

 

Congratulations on writing 5 posts on All B One ~ “Intertwining Spirits a Soul at a Time”!

Hello, Bloggers and Readers! My First Real Blog Post ~ Author, Diane Olsen

 

My New Book!

 

The Roots of Religion

“Who was the first great Prophet? When was religion born? Did God speak to primitive forms of humans? Are all revealed religions really one long chain? If you’ve ever wondered any of these things, you will enjoy Ancient Ways.”

It is a beautiful winter’s day here in the Pacific Northwest. Similar to the ones I knew in my early years back in the mountains of Colorado. Lots of snow, the wind, and subzero temperatures.

My grandson AJ is beside me listening to “Sounds of Silence” by disturbed. It is his favorite song, as it was for me back in the ‘60s. His little brother Asher just came into the room and gave me a sweet hug for no particular reason. That made it all the sweeter.

So, it is a perfect day for musing. My mind turns to the direction of humanity and God. I know I’ve asked before – how far back in human development does religion reach?

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Many would say that animism, ancestor worship, magic and ritual came first. Then rather recently, belief in one God arose; some would say with Moses or Christ. That sort of thinking was taught to me in my Anthropology training.

But now I think that is the opposite of what happened. I believe that even the very first representatives of Humankind knew a supreme God. Then, over time they added things to the Creator, just as we do today.

I would make a case that Revelation and ritual are opposite ends of a long spectrum – but the opposite of the way my teachers might believe.

Let’s look at Christianity as a sample, though any religion may be used. At first, there was the Bearer of God’s Word. Then there were Apostles and early believers, as well as great enemies. The Apostles spread the Word as revealed by Christ, and told the stories of His teachings. Later it became the state religion and eventually circled the globe. But now it has changed vastly from what it originally was.

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There are monasteries, nunneries, temples, churches and missions. There are big investments in real estate, stocks, and TV ministries which accept money. There are dozens of saints, priests, ministers, reverends, and pastors who perform masses, funerals, baptisms, and other rituals.

Christianity, like Hinduism, Judaism, even Buddhism are massive. They run the gamut from God’s Word given to mankind – to plastic and paper charms and trinkets.

Only a tiny portion is the actual teachings which came from the Bearer of the Word of God.

Could we not turn anthropology on its collective ear, and make a case that myth and legend tend to replace religion over time. That humanity has done this time and again. That Revelation and ritual are part of a great process. Not separate independent accidents.

What are your thoughts? Until next time,

Author/Writer, Diane Olsen

( Learn more about my book: Ancient Ways By Diane Olsen Website )

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Congratulations on getting 10 total likes on All B One ~ “Intertwining Spirits a Soul at a Time”.

THANK YOU TO all the bloggers who have come to VISIT!!!

Introducing My New Book and Awesome New Book Reviews.

As a new author like many of you, I find it interesting why it is we can not seem to find the “perfect recipe” for readers to leave us a book review when the finish our books? So when I do receive new one’s I think it’s appropriate to share them. I thank those readers who have been kind to read and leave a book review on Amazon,  Goodreads,  and  Barnes and Noble .  .  .

ABOUT MY NEW BOOK:

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Diane Olsen Introduces

“In order to enjoy this book, you may have to suspend current beliefs, since some of the concepts may seem quite foreign at first. Hopefully, you will find precious gems to take with you.”

What if monotheism always existed, and revelations were given to all human forms. There are hints to that effect. We should not assume primitive peoples were not smart enough to grasp the concept of a single Creator!

Too often we tweak religion to reflect our personal thoughts, rather than dealing directly with the Word of God. Today monotheism is represented by at least nine living faiths, yet praying to God alone is not enough, for many. Instead, we pray to Prophets, angels, saints, ancestors, deities, and the universe.

This creates a chain of “Paths” and “Ways” which become stained by human desires for control and material benefits. And as darkness and materialism overtake one Faith, another is born, through the intervention of the Holy Spirit, clothed in a different form, with a new name, and very familiar teachings.

Monotheism can be visualized as a chain linking prehistory and history, entwined with human additions, wisps and twists that produce an undulating, ultimate Yin and Yang. This constant interaction of complementary, as well as conflicting, forces and energies, exhibits both organic unity and dynamism even war.

Those who suspect there is a unified core of basic beliefs should enjoy “Ancient Ways.”

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About The Author:

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Diane Olsen, prolific writer and first-time indie author of her debut book release titled; “Ancient Ways: The Roots of Religion.” Her book is thought provoking, unique, and an informative look at the development and evolution of religion throughout time and a well-considered concept – the idea of a connective thread of monotheistic faith throughout the history from the birth of human creation.

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado she now lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Diane was an Undergrad at Colorado State University Ft. Collins: Pre-vet med, Anthropology, then attended and received her BA and MA at the University of Montana, Missoula: Anthropology, Archaeology, and Paleontology. She was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for two years.

Diane has proudly raised two sons Andrew and Gavin, has four grandsons Dylan, Brayden, AJ, and Asher. She is an animal lover and enjoys living in Washington State with her two girls, (doggies) “Ladybug and Charlie” along with two ancient “retired” Zebra, finches, one African Blackfooted Cat. She has raised sheep and goats and about 40 other species of critter over the decades.

Diane enjoys writing, reading good books and cooking. A few of her favorite books are ‘The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan), The Upanishads, and The Great Initiates.’

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BOOK REVIEWS FROM: Amazon, Barnes and Noble and GoodReads:

Five Stars, December 18, 2016

By  Mary T

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is for: Ancient Ways: The Roots of Religion (Paperback)

“Really interesting. We’re planning to use it as a book club selection shortly! A must read and well-researched book. Highly suggest this one.”

It’s Worth The Read!, November 12, 2016

By Kim Carter, Author

Amazon Review For: Ancient Ways: The Roots of Religion (Paperback)

Amazing Read of Our Roots of Religion!

“If you enjoy reading about other cultures and religions, and you are interested in anthropology? This is the book to read. Very researched well and exceptionally written by this new author. I learned so much about other religions and the author gives you much to think about when it comes to really wondering how we were first created. Was it one supreme God? Or could evaluation have played a part and why? I highly suggested you read this one with an open mind and take your time. It’s Worth The Read!”

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Book Promo Shot

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Barnes & Noble:

By  Vicki_Goodwin

*****  Communicating with gods that seem to have so much in common and so …

Vicki_Goodwin

Communicating with gods that seem to have so much in common and so many similar histories assist in the belief that we share a creator and creation story. This may seem to be a more modern concept, but it could possibly have begun as early as when bipeds began to move about the world, exploring and creating small communities, mixing in with the homo sapiens they met along the way.

I found myself lost in this book, the history and the evolution of man was very well stated and provides documentation for the statements. It has a diverse theme that delves into zombies, white witches, Jewish God, Islamic Allah, Buddha, Osiris, and every form of Diety that has been worshiped and found through verbal and written histories. Bringing them together in on cohesive writing. allowing the reader to see how this is a more common occurrence than typically believed.

The ancient ways connect astrology, alchemy, and all other esoteric practices. The book of Enoch in the Apocrypha tells of the giants that inhabited the world before the great flood. This is carried through in other religious documents of the time. An excellent research book.

In learning about the Priest, Ram, it provided a new and fully invigorating story of earth’s early man and their desire to move past a belief in nature. The book covers the beginning with the priestesses and then covers several chapters on Ram’s dreams, writings, and memories, this information is so thought provoking and insightful. It was new material for me and I was in awe of his place and time in history.

GoodReads Review:

Dec 12, 2016Christy rated,  ***** It was an amazing read!

“By reading this book, I learned of author Olsen’s research on the evolution of religion, from back in the days of Primitive humans onward. While my religious beliefs are not in line with some of the book, I was intrigued by the author’s take that monotheism has linked a range of religions over time.

The book includes quotes from several religious texts, as well as photos and references for additional reading. It is a massive text that I appreciated for its attention to not just one religion but many of them.

I found the discussion of idol worship particularly interesting, along with the story of Noah, and discussion of how Islam supports Christians.

This book is a quality read for anyone interested in religious growth and development.”

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So just as a reminder to readers, please don’t feel afraid or intimidated to leave a sentence or to as a book review for an author to share how you liked or not liked their book. As writers, we like to know and appreciate what our readers think and share with us about our craft as a writer, not just as an author. It is the best “gift of thank you” you can give to us .  .  .  .

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Diane Olsen, Author/Writer  🙂